Captain Robert Keayne

Artist:

Location:

Location

Neighborhood:

Downtown

Type:

Plaque

Year:

1925

Medium:

Bronze

Collection:

Funders:

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts

Description:

Robert Keayne (1595 - 1656) was born in England and in 1623 became a member of the Honorable Artillery Company of London. In 1635, he emigrated to Boston - probably to find freedom for the expression of his religious views and to became a wealthy merchant. Keayne founded the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in 1638 and became its first captain. This is the oldest military organization in the history of the United States. After his death, the company commissioned the bronze plaque to commemorate Keayne’s services to his company and his benefactions to Boston. The plaque was designed by the sculptor John Francis Parmino and was dedicated in 1925.